Bronze Cory help!

[fatbobsufc]

I am a little worried that the fine sand that makes up my substrate may be harming my Bronze Corys. They seem to be happily rooting around in it but as they swim off I can see sand emitting from their gills for a brief moment. Is this normal? Also they seem to enjoy grabbing a few bubbles of air from the surface every now and again. There is definitely enough oxygen in the water as my filter is blasting oxygen in through the venturi (plus it is a planted tank).

 

[lizard]

I am a little worried that the fine sand that makes up my substrate may be harming my Bronze Corys. They seem to be happily rooting around in it but as they swim off I can see sand emitting from their gills for a brief moment. Is this normal? Also they seem to enjoy grabbing a few bubbles of air from the surface every now and again. There is definitely enough oxygen in the water as my filter is blasting oxygen in through the venturi (plus it is a planted tank).

Not sure about the sand and gills question. However, I can comment on the darting up to the surface comment Somebody on this forum said that Corys occasionally dart up to the surface to get a bubble of air in their stomach, which then dissolves/dissipates. That method of getting air is sometimes needed in the wild, as Corys are often in murky water. Yay, I love this forum and the things I learn here!!!!

Pamela
aka Lizard

 

[pebbles]

hi, i have corys on sand ,i must say i have never noticed the sand thru gills,i would have thought they wouldn't do it if they didnt like it!mine frequently turn over the sand and play.. the dashing to the surface is quite normal as ,lizard says its what they would naturally . this again is quite often a play feature, all my corys seem to take it in turns and once one starts to do it they all join in, pebbles